When people get ill they are more vulnerable and often unable to fend for themselves. It can also be a stressful thing to be in the hospital for both patients and their families. Plans may not go as they were expected, judgment can be impaired and often people do not feel up to par when they are sick. It can be of much relief to have a strong support system in these times. A patient advocate can be among that group of people ensuring that a patient gets all that they want and need during such difficult times.
The advocate is also the campaigner, supporter, promoter, backer, spokesperson, sponsor and believer. It is important that patients assign this job to a person whom they trust to do the job well. In order to be effective in this position, one must be willing to act on the behalf of the client or patient. These persons must also be able to work well with the other members of the patient's care team, including nurses and doctors.
In many cases, these people are loved ones. They might be a child, spouse, close friend or other family member. There are also professional advocates. Hospitals are known for having staff that does this work. Usually these persons are known as patient representatives or advocates. Chaplains, nurses and social workers have also been known to play this part.
Overall, the advocates will cut through red tape. It is important to inquire to see what help is available from professional advocates. In fact, most hospitals and health care facilities have these professionals available for those who need them.
The initial step is finding someone to do this work. Select an individual who you feel comfortable communicating with and have complete trust in. It is essential to find someone that is a good communicator and assertive. They should also be willing and capable of being an advocate for your specific needs. Then, decide on what you need help with that you cannot do on your own. Patients may need help when it comes to clarifying available care, asking questions, getting information, making note of important information, and assuring desires are carried out.
These persons may be allowed to go to treatments, tests, appointments and procedures with the patients. It is important to check to make sure this is ok with the doctors or caregivers. The sick should be straightforward about what all they expect and need from their advocate so that they can receive all the potential benefits of advocacy.
Family and friends should know that the advocate will also be the spokesperson for the patient. Physicians and other professionals who may administer care services need to know who the patient's advocate is, as well as the best way to get in contact with him or her. Overall, advocates have the potential to be extremely beneficial to patients.
Professionals and close friends or family can be equally successful in this role. The key is being vocal with them about your needs and desires. Overall, their objective is to help support you in as many ways as possible.
The advocate is also the campaigner, supporter, promoter, backer, spokesperson, sponsor and believer. It is important that patients assign this job to a person whom they trust to do the job well. In order to be effective in this position, one must be willing to act on the behalf of the client or patient. These persons must also be able to work well with the other members of the patient's care team, including nurses and doctors.
In many cases, these people are loved ones. They might be a child, spouse, close friend or other family member. There are also professional advocates. Hospitals are known for having staff that does this work. Usually these persons are known as patient representatives or advocates. Chaplains, nurses and social workers have also been known to play this part.
Overall, the advocates will cut through red tape. It is important to inquire to see what help is available from professional advocates. In fact, most hospitals and health care facilities have these professionals available for those who need them.
The initial step is finding someone to do this work. Select an individual who you feel comfortable communicating with and have complete trust in. It is essential to find someone that is a good communicator and assertive. They should also be willing and capable of being an advocate for your specific needs. Then, decide on what you need help with that you cannot do on your own. Patients may need help when it comes to clarifying available care, asking questions, getting information, making note of important information, and assuring desires are carried out.
These persons may be allowed to go to treatments, tests, appointments and procedures with the patients. It is important to check to make sure this is ok with the doctors or caregivers. The sick should be straightforward about what all they expect and need from their advocate so that they can receive all the potential benefits of advocacy.
Family and friends should know that the advocate will also be the spokesperson for the patient. Physicians and other professionals who may administer care services need to know who the patient's advocate is, as well as the best way to get in contact with him or her. Overall, advocates have the potential to be extremely beneficial to patients.
Professionals and close friends or family can be equally successful in this role. The key is being vocal with them about your needs and desires. Overall, their objective is to help support you in as many ways as possible.
About the Author:
You can visit www.patientadvocategroup.com for more helpful information about The Important Role Of A Patient Advocate.
No comments:
Post a Comment